To the college women of 2020,
We know now that countries led by women did better in the face of the pandemic. And though it may feel like progress is being made at home, despite a record number of female presidential candidates this election cycle, still none managed to clinch the nomination. What’s more, the stakes are at an all-time high to use our voices to effect change–by showing up, by voting… but why not go a step further and become the ones actually doing the decision-making?
Right now, too many women feel hesitant to say they might want to run for office one day. Maybe it feels too self-important, or you feel like you would have no idea how. Or maybe it’s because you aren’t a political science major, or a member of your student government. Here’s the thing–running for office is something everyone can aspire to and that should feel accessible to all, and a lack of confidence is one of the main barriers to women running.
This needs to change.
Because when women run, women win at the same rate as men. And we’re committed to giving you a running start.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with Running Start, a nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers young women to get involved in politics and transform our world one elected female leader at a time, to launch a 360-degree movement to open college women’s eyes and ears to this possibility so you can start to shake things up.
On Friday October 30 from 12pm EST – 4pm EST (9am PST – 1pm PST), Her Campus and Running Start are hosting our first-ever Elect Her Training Day, an actionable, interactive, virtual event for 100 diverse, high-potential college women from across the country to give you the information, inspiration, and tools you need to lay the groundwork to one day run for office. During the event, you’ll pinpoint the issues you’re most passionate about, identify how you can best leverage your networks, and craft and workshop your “run for office elevator pitch”, all while hearing from majorly inspiring female politicians.
You don’t need to have any particular background, major, or experience to apply–just a passion and a hunger to transform our world.
The application for Elect Her Training Day opens today, September 15 and will close on October 15, but we encourage you to apply now as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply HERE now.
Lastly, on Thursday October 29 at 6pm EST, the night before Elect Her Training Day, join us for a virtual viewing party of SURGE, a feature documentary about the record number of first-time female candidates who ran, won and upended politics in the historic 2018 midterm elections, with special remarks from the film’s all-female director/producer team. Join us at this link for the live viewing party.
We can’t wait to stand with you this fall as we join forces to give college women across the country a running start.
Learn more about Elect Her Training Day at hercampus.com/electher.
Stephanie, Windsor & Annie (co-founders of Her Campus)